Whilst Middlesex’s 2015 NatWest T20 Blast campaign got off to a disappointing start down in Bristol two weeks ago, with a seven wicket defeat at the hands of Gloucestershire, there were more than enough positives to take from the game to ensure that confidence will not have been rocked within the Middlesex camp.
Middlesex are boosted by the return of England’s One-day Captain Eoin Morgan, fresh back from the IPL with Hyderabad, and he is joined by another IPL returnee in South Africa’s Kyle Abbott, who will be keen to make an immediate impression on debut with Middlesex in what is set to be only a short stay with the club. Australia’s Joe Burns is also set to make his home debut in the competition and will be keen to impress the Lord’s faithful.
In opposition at Lord’s under the lights will be a Kent side led by Sam Northeast, who has led his Spitfires side to two consecutive victories in the Canterbury outfit’s opening two encounters this term, so they too will be hopeful of bagging the points and continuing their winning ways. Returning to Middlesex with Kent will be Joe Denly, who will bat up top for the Spitfires, with the hard hitting Sam Billings and Sam Northeast coming in behind him in the order.
Momentum is critical in white ball cricket, and winning becomes a habit, so the Middlesex lads will be looking to bounce back from the Gloucestershire result immediately with a win against Kent on Thursday night here at Lord’s to get their T20 Blast campaign up and running!
With both sides packing plenty of firepower, tomorrow’s encounter could well be a high scoring thriller.
Middlesex are pleased to announce the following 14-man squad to play against Kent tomorrow at Lord's:
Eoin Morgan (captain), Kyle Abbott, Andy Balbirnie, Joe Burns, Nick Compton, Steven Finn, James Franklin, James Harris, Dawid Malan, Ollie Rayner, Toby Roland-Jones, John Simpson, Nathan Sowter, Paul Stirling.
Gates open at 4.45pm and Play is due to start at 6.15pm. For more information on tickets for this match please CLICK HERE.
Injury Update
Ravi Patel: Whilst fielding against Hampshire in the 2nd XI T20 match at the Ageas Bowl, Ravi was struck on the left thumb with the ball. He has since seen a consultant who has diagnosed a fracture. Ravi will unfortunately miss the following four to six weeks whilst he recovers.
